How to Teach Math to Kids with Games and Activities

Homeschool Math Activities to Help Your Child Learn

There are some fun ways to teach math to kids without paper and pencils. Games and activities help children apply math to daily living. Games and activities are also helpful for visual and hands-on learners. Below are mathematical concepts arranged by level of readiness, rather than grade. This is intended to be an outline of overall math skills that a child will hope to master. Each skill links to a detailed explanation of how to teach those skills. Follow along with me, as I add to this outline each step of the way on our homeschooling journey.

Prenumber Concepts

How to Teach Prenumber Math Concepts to Kids

There are concepts in mathematics that must precede numbers. You can't expect a child to count all the red blocks until they can identify the color red, for example. These concepts are typically taught to children at the preschool through kindergarten. However, all children learn at different speeds. Introduce these prenumber math games and activities to kids at a young age. If they do not seem interested in learning prenumber concepts, don't rush them. Keep the learning games and activities light and they will progress through them in their own time.

The games and activities used above to sort by color, size and shape can also be used to sort items into groups by weight, texture, temperature, sound, category (for example, fruit and vegetable.) Practicing these activities frequently in daily life will prepare kids to do well in math later.

One to One Correspondence

How to Teach Number Sense

Teaching Number Sense to Kids at Home with Games and Activities

These math concepts are generally learned at the Kindergarten level and after the prenumber concepts above seem to be understood.

*Counting Orally from 1 to 10 (Ability to verbally count without assigning meaning to an object) - This is best accomplished with songs about counting to 10, "One little, two little, three little, ladybugs, four little..." In addition to having the child practice often by singing, let them hear you counting daily. Repetition is the key to counting orally!

*Conservation of Number (A group of 5 things covering a small area and a group of 5 things covering a large are equal in number.)

Comments about Teaching Math to Kids with Games and Activities

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PaighLoyd 3 years ago

Repeating the numbers through a song is really true and effective. When they enjoy what they doing basically they are likely do it repetitively and familiarize the lessons even unconsciously. I do this with my kids and it seems to be fun and enjoyable. Thanks for sharing.

Frankie Kangas 5 years agofrom California

Excellent lens. I like that you are adding more games as time goes by. I always loved math as a kid and it had helped me in my everyday work and home life. Blessed. Bear hugs, Frankster